Learning an instrument

I started playing the guitar about a month ago and have progressed past the basic lessons I’ve found on youtube. Anyone know of more intermediate lessons that are free? Or just some more things to practice. I’m getting bored doing the one scale I’ve been taught.
It would also be nice to hear stories of how you guys started playing instruments. Did you google it? Have a teacher? Friend? etc.

I started long, long before “youtube” existed, but here’s a few tips from a lifetime ago.

1. Get a metronome. many of us don’t think we need it, but we do.
2. Find simple song (many, many tab sites make it really easy for at least the rhythm parts)–I started w/ The Ramones–& learn the hell out of it, so you can . . .
3. Find someone to “jam” with, as soon as you know enough for a song even–you cannot underestimate the power of the “band” environment.
4. Carve out some time every day, even if it’s 10 or 20 minutes.
5. Practice, practice, practice.

I’ve been playing for about a year and am hooked. I’ve done a ton of methods to improve my skill.

From my experience, I would say the most effective and pleasurable way to play and practice is to just fool around while listening to artists that inspire you.

If you really want to commit to improving, I would try to learn a song by ear. It’s called transcribing. Just play each part over and over until you figure it out on your guitar. The more songs and riffs you learn, the better you get at it. Eventually, you’ll be able to hear the song inside yourself and put it into music.

Also, all musicians I’ve talked to agree with me that you never stop learning. Sometimes you’ll feel discouraged about your skill, other times, on top of the world. Just enjoy the entire experience and don’t give up. It can be one of the greatest parts of your life.

Awesome topic. I was lucky to have my parents sign me up for drum lessons when I was 6 with a percussionist from the symphony. Although it is not always possible I would highly suggest classical training.
Been playing ever since then, and through my many years of playing in various bands and styles I can say that the best advise was just given by Corpse. Rock on bitches!

Wow. Yeah, like the General said, kudos to Corpse’s advice. Good call with the metronome. The ones that rock back & forth I think are the most fun. But in the meantime, you can use this http://www.metronomeonline.com/ (they got everything on the internet these days!). I bought an electric guitar & an amp on a whim one day. I practiced with a Guitar for Dummies book (which comes w a cd to play along with & such), straight chords, and got a chord book of Beatles & Eric Clapton songs. If you are working toward playing something you think is awesome.. it’s so much more fun & meaningful. I got my son a Super Mario Brothers theme songs piano song book for his birthday (..he’s gonna looooove it :)). He practices anyways, but it’s like a chore to him sometimes..but playing Super Mario Bros, he’s gonna freak out :) And yes, practice, practice, practice!!